2025 Kia Sportage vs. 2025 Mazda CX-5 Review

Picture of the 2025 Kia Sportage

2025 Kia
Sportage

MSRP*: $27,190 to $38,090
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Picture of the 2025 Mazda CX-5

2025 Mazda
CX-5

MSRP*: $28,570 to $40,600
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MPG - City 23 - 25 MPG 22 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 26 - 33 MPG 27 - 30 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 74.1 ft3 58.1 ft3
Engine
  • 187-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 187-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 227-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Automatic
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 187 hp 187 - 227 hp
Towing Capacity 1,653 lbs 2,000 lbs
Exterior Length 183.5 in 180.1 in
Exterior Width 73.4 in 72.6 in
Leg Room Front 41.4 in
Rear 41.3 in
Front 41.0 in
Rear 39.6 in
Head Room Front 37.8 - 39.6 in
Rear 38.0 - 39.4 in
Front 39.3 - 39.7 in
Rear 39.0 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Rear passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Kia Sportage than in the Mazda CX-5. As far as headroom and legroom go, there's not much difference between front seat comfort in the Kia Sportage and the Mazda CX-5.

Convenience
With the Mazda CX-5, you will definitely be making fewer stops at the gas station than with the Kia Sportage, due to its tank size and fuel economy.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Whether you pick the Kia Sportage or the Mazda CX-5, it's going to cost you about the same.

Dimensions
The Kia Sportage is a little wider than the Mazda CX-5, so getting in and out of the car in a crowded parking lot may be a little more of a squeeze. When looking at overall length, the Kia Sportage takes up about the same amount of space in your garage as the Mazda CX-5.

Handling
The Kia Sportage has a larger turning radius than the Mazda CX-5, making it slightly more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
In terms of towing capacity, the Mazda CX-5 is clearly the choice over the Kia Sportage for pulling heavy loads. In terms of horsepower, it's a virtual tie between the Kia Sportage and the Mazda CX-5.

Powertrain
With its lower torque engine, the Kia Sportage doesn't do as good a job transmitting power to its wheels as the Mazda CX-5.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Kia Sportage and the Mazda CX-5. With the Kia Sportage, you'll be able to haul more equipment or luggage than the Mazda CX-5.